Morez Johnson Jr. Shows Physicality for Mavericks

Coach Dusty May praised the rookie's toughness after a 17-rebound performance in a win over the Utah Jazz.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Basketball

Morez Johnson Jr. Shows Physicality for Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks coach Dusty May praised rookie Morez Johnson Jr.'s physicality, a trait the team drafted him for ninth overall in June. Johnson grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds, 10 of them offensive, in a 112-100 win over the Utah Jazz on Friday.

Why it matters

Johnson's rebounding and interior presence address a physical need the Mavericks identified in the draft, as no opponent was expected to win the paint battle with him on the floor. His early role as a reserve shows how he is adapting to the NBA while contributing on the glass.

Through nine games, all off the bench, Johnson is averaging 8.0 points and 4.7 rebounds, after averaging 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds at Michigan. The sample is still small, and his role as a reserve may change.

The players

Morez Johnson Jr.

A forward who transferred from Illinois to Michigan and was drafted ninth overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 2026.

Dusty May

Former Michigan head coach who was named the 11th head coach in Mavericks history in June.

Dallas Mavericks

An NBA franchise based in Dallas that drafted Johnson ninth overall in June.

The details

Johnson transferred from Illinois to Michigan for 2025-26, starting all 40 games as the Wolverines went 37-3 and won their first national title since 1989. Johnson earned Second-Team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Defensive Team honors before the Mavericks took him ninth overall.

March 19: Johnson scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against Howard in the NCAA Tournament.
June: The Mavericks drafted Johnson ninth overall and named Dusty May their 11th head coach.
Friday: Johnson recorded 17 rebounds in the win over the Utah Jazz.

Roadmap

Johnson's early NBA role extends the physical identity he built during Michigan's 37-3 national championship season, the program's first title since 1989. The Mavericks are testing whether that interior toughness translates to a rotation player in the league.

Fantasy managers tracking rookies may note Johnson's rebounding ceiling, but his role as a bench player limits volume for now. His minutes will determine whether his rebounding production continues in Dallas.

The takeaway

Johnson's early rebounding shows he can contribute immediately off the bench. Readers should watch how his minutes develop as Dallas evaluates its frontcourt rotation.